The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued warnings to 18 social media influencers actively promoting high-risk financial products without the necessary licence.
The move is part of a broader initiative to curb unlicensed financial advice in the online sphere, where influencers often lure young audiences with glamorous lifestyles while dispensing questionable investment tips.
ASIC has identified these so-called "finfluencers" as operating in breech of the Corporations Act by promoting complex financial products like derivatives without proper authorisation.
ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland emphasized the global nature of this enforcement action, aligning with efforts by international regulators to safeguard consumers from potentially misleading online advice. The regulator insists that influencers must ensure their financial counsel is lawful and demands clarification from those flagged on how they plan to comply with regulatory requirements. Failure to address these concerns may lead to further action from ASIC.
The reach of these finfluencers often extends beyond public posts into private spaces, where direct messaging is used to promote associated investments. ASIC warns that such manoeuvres still fall under the jurisdiction of financial services laws, regardless of their private nature.
The initiative coincides with a Global Week of Action Against Unlawful Finfluencers, with global counterparts such as the UK, UAE, Hong Kong, and Canada also taking measures to address the proliferation of unauthorised financial advice. In recent years, the UK Financial Conduct Authority announced its own response to this trend, removing non-compliant websites and running consumer awareness programs to educate the public about safe online financial interactions.
In Australia, ASIC has a precedent for taking action against rule-breaking finfluencers. Notably, in 2022, the Federal Court found renowned social media personality Tyson Robert Scholz guilty of contravening the Corporations Act, as he conducted financial business operations without a licence. His cases highlighted the significant fines and potential imprisonment penalties for non-compliance, emphasizing the gravity of these regulatory requirements.
More than ever, consumers are advised to be discerning about the sources of their financial advice. With ASIC's professional register available as a tool to verify credentials, the public is urged to distinguish between popularity and credentialed expertise. Commissioner Kirkland underscores the need to ensure that influencers genuinely possess the necessary credentials before consumers act on any financial advice given online.
Published:Thursday, 12th Jun 2025 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
In November 2025, Australia's mortgage market achieved a new milestone, with the total value of residential mortgages reaching $2.41 trillion. This record-breaking figure reflects a 0.67% increase from the previous month and a 6.36% rise over the past year, as reported by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). - read more
The Australian mortgage market has witnessed a significant surge in refinancing activity, with nearly 100,000 loans refinanced in the June 2025 quarter. This marks the highest level since September 2023 and reflects homeowners' proactive responses to recent interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
In a notable shift within Australia's financial sector, Japanese banking giants Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) have emerged as key drivers of growth in business lending. As of July 2025, business lending volumes across Australia's top 10 authorized deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) reached A$925 billion, with SMBC and MUFG leading the expansion. - read more
Loan Market Group's (LMG) Asset Finance Exchange (AFX) has achieved a significant milestone, reporting approximately $80 million in settlements within its inaugural year. This accomplishment underscores the increasing demand for asset finance solutions among Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
Welcome to our step-by-step guide to navigating the loan application process! Whether you're seeking a home loan, personal loan, or business loan, the journey can seem overwhelming. - read more
Launching a startup is an exhilarating journey, filled with the promise of innovation, independence, and growth. However, it also comes with its share of challenges. From planning and execution to funding and scaling, each step requires careful consideration and decisive action. For many aspiring entrepreneurs in Australia, securing the necessary capital is one of the greatest hurdles they face on the path to success. - read more
Pre-approval in the financial world refers to a preliminary evaluation by a lender to determine how much credit or loan they may be willing to extend to an applicant. It's a vital step for any Australian looking to finance a significant purchase such as a home or a car. Essentially, pre-approval provides potential borrowers with an indication of their borrowing capacity, subject to final verification and approval. - read more
Understanding the nuances of interest rates in today's Australian financial landscape is more than a matter of mere fiscal responsibility; it is a critical step in safeguarding your personal economy and ensuring that any loan acquired aligns perfectly with your financial aspirations for 2024 and beyond. In a world where every percentage point can translate into significant savings or costs over time, grasping what's at stake when selecting a loan provider becomes an essential skill. - read more
Smart borrowing is crucial for individuals and businesses in Australia to manage their financial goals effectively. With a well thought-out borrowing strategy, you can optimize your finances, minimize costs, and achieve your financial objectives. - read more
Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and
compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without
obligation. We respect your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Hedge Fund: An alternative investment vehicle that uses pooled funds to employ different strategies to earn active returns, or alpha, for their investors.